Pest Advice Blog

What you need to know about cluster flies.

Flies are so annoying. They’re impossible to get out the house. They fly around your face at night. Buzzing and landing anywhere. Swiping at them is difficult because they’re so quick. Wait for them to land. And smash them. Even then it seems they’re still alive. Maybe some more cluster fly information can help remove any problems.

What are cluster flies?

They look like flies. About 7 mm long. Distinct lines or stripes behind the head. Short golden-coloured hairs on the thorax. Irregular light and dark gray areas on the abdomen. They’re noticeably slow moving. Cluster flies are also known as attic flies and are the genus Pollenia in the blowfly family Calliphoridae.

Cluster flies pose no health risk to humans. They don’t lay eggs in human food. But, are parasitic on earthworms. Females lay eggs near worm burrows and the larvae infest the worms. For us though, cluster flies become annoying. Around late summer of all flies look for places to hibernate and with enter your home.

Where can they be found?

Cluster flies exist in large numbers. Infestation can quickly get out of control. They’re very difficult to get rid of. Flies get into attics and are attracted to inaccessible spaces such as roof and wall cavities. They can also be spotted on windows of rarely used rooms. Window screens have little effectiveness to prevent cluster flies. They can crawl through small holes and cracks. Cluster flies will always look to move towards windows.

How to remove cluster flies.

If you discover cluster flies make sure to vacuum single or groups of flies. If vacuuming is too difficult there’s commercial sprays and removers that work to control fly populations. Fly light traps provides an artificial light attracting groups of young flies to one area.

Cluster fly problems can quickly get out of control. They’ll get into small and narrow places of your home. Infestation can go unnoticed in your attic. But, if you discover signs of cluster fleis contact Truly Nolen.